DoP Promotes Pharma-MedTech Innovation with PRIP Scheme

The PRIP scheme will further support the ‘Make in India’, ‘Innovate in India’, and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) is actively promoting the Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, which aims to strengthen India’s research ecosystem in pharmaceuticals and medical technology. 

The first application window for the scheme, designed to support innovation and incubation facilities, will remain open until April 7, 2025.

To create awareness and encourage participation, Amit Agrawal, Secretary, DoP, visited the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru. 

He urged start-ups, industry leaders, and academic institutions to submit their project proposals through the Expression of Interest (EoI) process.

According to Agrawal, stakeholder feedback will be crucial in refining the PRIP scheme’s implementation strategy to ensure alignment with industry needs and foster sectoral growth.

Strengthening India’s Position in Pharma-MedTech Innovation

Agrawal emphasized that India has a strategic advantage in the global supply chain. The PRIP scheme will further support the ‘Make in India’, ‘Innovate in India’, and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives. 

The scheme is expected to drive innovation and boost India’s standing as a leader in life sciences research and manufacturing.

During his visit, Agrawal also highlighted the role of C-CAMP’s incubation facilities and CSIR’s Innovation Complex in promoting translational research and industry-academia collaboration.

He discussed various government initiatives supporting research and innovation, including ICMR’s Patent Mitra, which assists innovators with patent filing; MedTech Mitra, which facilitates the journey from research to commercialization; and Indian Clinical Trial and Education Network (INTENT), which focuses on clinical trials and commercialization of R&D outcomes.

Industry Dialogue Highlights Innovation & Collaboration

The Industry Dialogue in Bengaluru, organized by the DoP, brought together stakeholders from the start-up ecosystem, academia, and industry. 

Participants shared insights into emerging research trends, innovation opportunities, and strategies to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia. 

Discussions focused on ways to maximize funding opportunities and scale up innovative research projects to drive growth in the sector.

Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director and CEO of C-CAMP, highlighted the institute’s role in fostering innovation within the Pharma-MedTech sector. Since its establishment in 2009, with support from the Department of Biotechnology, C-CAMP has played a crucial role in advancing life sciences research. 

The institute has been instrumental in supporting start-ups through bio-incubation programs, seed funding, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research infrastructure. 

Over the years, C-CAMP has provided more than $13 million in funding to over 500 start-ups, accelerating their growth and technological advancements. Saiyed emphasized that C-CAMP remains committed to supporting research and nurturing innovation in the life sciences sector.

PRIP Scheme to Drive Pharma Innovation

Dr Shridhar Narayanan, CEO of the Foundation of Neglected Disease Research and Chief Scientific Advisor at Peptris Technologies, noted that the PRIP scheme would act as a catalyst for pharmaceutical innovation. 

He emphasized that the initiative would provide much-needed funding to academia, start-ups, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and large pharmaceutical companies, particularly in areas with high unmet medical needs. 

The scheme is also expected to encourage stronger collaborations between academia and industry, facilitating drug discovery and medical technology advancements.

With April 7, 2025, deadline approaching, the DoP is urging stakeholders to submit their Expression of Interest (EoI) through the DoP website. By participating, applicants can secure funding and contribute to shaping the future of India’s pharmaceutical and MedTech landscape.

The PRIP scheme is set to transform India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting research, enhancing collaboration between industry and academia, and advancing medical technology development. 

With strong government support and active industry participation, this initiative is expected to position India as a global leader in pharmaceutical research and healthcare innovation.

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